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Applied Political Science Methods, 15 Higher education credits
Tillämpad statsvetenskaplig metod, 15 Högskolepoäng
Established: 2023-06-07
Established by: School of Business, Economics and IT
Applies from: V26
Learning outcomes
On completion of the course the student will be able to:
Knowledge and understanding
- account for the main schools of thoughts within theory of science, as well as discuss how the theory of science starting points affect theory, design and method choices
- describe the parts of a scientific study as well as how the parts relate to each other
- describe some main qualitative and quantitative research designs and how the different designs are linked to different types of research questions
- describe central concepts and ideas and with these and give an account of the most common methods in political science research and what type of questions each method can answer
Skills and abilities
- in a fundamental way, use some of the most common qualitative and quantitative methods and techniques in political science research
- based on academic requirements for scientificity and formality, describe at the planning level a researchable scientific problem with political science and social relevance, relate this to previous research, with applicable theories specify it into an analytical framework, purpose and questions
- based on academic requirements for academic rigour and formality, describe and argue at the planning level for design and methods with which the described questions can be answered
Judgement and approach
- assess how the choices made in a scientific study regarding theories, design and method affect the conclusions that can be drawn, the possibility to generalize and the credibility of the conclusions
- reflect on ethical aspects of different method choices and suggest reasonable ways to handle possible ethical problems.
Entry requirements
Completion of studies in political science 1-60 hp, of which 52,5 hp must be completed, including the course Fundamentals of Political Science Methods 15 HE credits, or the equivalent within the framework of the International Programme for Politics and Economics (IPPE) at University West.
The forms of assessment of student performance
- Oral exam.
- Individual papers.
- Writing a research proposal.
A student who does not fully meet the learning outcomes of a non-supervised examination (hemtentamen), but is close to the grade “pass” can, after a decision by the examiner, be allowed to complement (kan skriva supplement eller revise också) an examination assignment in order to reach the criteria for pass. For supervised examination (salstentamen) complementing is not allowed. Complementing of an examination must be individually adapted based on the learning outcomes or objectives that were not achieved by a student. It must take place within two weeks after informing the student of the examination result and before the next examination opportunity.
Course contents
The course deepens the students' knowledge and skills in philosophy of science, social science methods and theories and scientific writing. The course combines lectures, seminars and writing on a research proposal that can be carried out in the next course and form the basis for the first part of a degree project in political science. The course thereby provides a wide range of insights into different research traditions, but also deepening and practical experience of selected parts of importance for the research proposal.
Other regulations
Course grading: F/Fx/E/D/C/B/A - Insufficient, Insufficient- more work required before the credit can be awarded, Sufficient, Satisfactory, Good, Very Good, Excellent
Course language: The teaching is conducted in English.
General rules pertaining to examination at University West are available at www.hv.se.
If the student has a decision/recommendation on special support due to disability, the examiner has the right to examine the student in a customized examination form.
Course Overlap
ASP401
Cycle
First cycle
Progressive specialization
G2F - first cycle, has at least 60 credits in first-cycle course/s as entry requirements
Main field of study
Political Science